In New England, the weather and terrain have personalities of their own, often making equipment needs and maintenance unpredictable. Whether you’re managing a few acres in Massachusetts or a larger Northeastern property, proper equipment maintenance is the key to boosting your machine’s longevity and performance. Here, we’ve put together a guide to help you navigate the changing seasons and the changing needs of your equipment to help you stay on schedule.
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Spring: Prep for Productivity
Winters in New England are hard on your equipment. The first step of spring prep should be to thoroughly inspect your equipment.
Key Tips
- Inspect for winter damage: Check all tires, belts, hoses, and battery terminals for cracks, corrosion, or other visible damage. Several cycles of freezing and thawing can be hard on rubber and plastic components.
- Change fluids and filters: Even if you changed fluids and filters in the fall, moisture buildup can degrade oil quality. It’s smart to double-check that all fluids and filters are in good working order before starting work for the season.
- Sharpen blades: From lawn tractors and ZTraks to rotary cutters, sharp blades will make all the difference in your cutting quality and efficiency.
- Check for critters: Through the off-season, rodents and other critters may crawl under the hood. Inspect for any nests, and check for damage to electrical components before operating for the season.
Bonus Tip: Let United Ag & Turf do the work for you! Our experts will ensure that your machine is ready to take on the demands of the upcoming season. Schedule maintenance now.
Summer: Maintaining and Monitoring
As temperatures rise and the demands of work are at their peak, the goal is to keep your equipment running smoothly with minimal downtime.
Key Tips
- Clean filters regularly: Dust and pollen build up quickly to clog filters and cause potential damage and unnecessary engine strain.
- Monitor tire pressure: Hot summer days can expand air pressure, leading to uneven wear. Check tire pressure regularly and adjust accordingly.
- Grease all moving parts: Refer to your owner’s manual and apply suggested lubricant to moving components to reduce unnecessary wear and tear.
- Keep cool: Pay attention to coolant levels and regularly clear radiators from dust and debris.
Fall: Prepare for Storage and Winter Needs
Fall in New England means leaf removal and winter field prep.
Key Tips
- Inspect implements: No matter the implement, it’s important to inspect for signs of wear before storage and before seasonal use.
- Stabilize fuel: Add a fuel stabilizer to prevent buildup and corrosion over the off-season.
- Check lighting and hydraulics: With shorter days and below-freezing temperatures, regularly check that all lights are working and hydraulic systems are responsive.
- Get ahead on repairs: Address issues now–you’ll thank yourself for it next spring.
Winter: Smart Storage and Service
New England’s freezing weather can present challenges for equipment owners, especially those planning to store their equipment all winter long.
Key Tips
- Proper storage: If possible, store equipment indoors, in climate-controlled areas. If necessary, use covers to protect your equipment from snow and ice.
- Remove batteries: If you’ll be storing your equipment for more than a few weeks, it’s best to remove batteries and keep them in a temperature-controlled environment.
- Drain or treat fuel: To prevent fuel from gelling or degrading, add a fuel winterizer.
- Mid-winter checkups: If you rely on your equipment for snow removal, regularly run the engine to ensure that it will start up when needed.
Check Out Our Blog: Protect Your Equipment from Harsh Winters
Reach Out to United Ag & Turf for More Advice
At United Ag & Turf, we’re proud to be more than just a dealer–we’re your neighbors! That’s why we’re happy to lend our expertise to ensure that you’re getting the most out of your equipment, even through the harsh seasons of the Northeast. Give us a call, and we’ll be happy to help!
